Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell listens as Donald Trump speaks (File)

Trying to save Donald Trump from conviction over his alleged abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in the Trump-Ukraine affair, Senate Republicans are looking for a short impeachment trial — but face Trump’s resistance.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has shielded Trump politically for almost three years, has reportedly led the push. On Wednesday several GOP senators spoke in support.

“I would say I don’t think the appetite is real high for turning this into a prolonged spectacle,” said Senate Majority Whip John Thune, the second-ranking Republican. “Members want to deal with the arguments, hear the case and hopefully reach a conclusion.”

Citing “13 senators and aides familiar with the discussions”, The Washington Post said the GOP plan is for up to two weeks for attorneys from the House and from the Trump camp to make their arguments.

But the effort could be upended by Trump, who is seeking an extended spectacle with a long list of witnesses for interrogation. They include Rep. Adam Schiff, the chair of the House Intelligence Committee that took evidence from 17 current and former US officials, despite White House efforts to block any testimony and provision of documents; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi; former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter; and the CIA official whose formal complaint, about Trump’s July 25 phone call with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy led to the impeachment inquiry.

Leading Republican senators are cautioning that the calling of Trump’s witnesses will not change the outcome of the trial.

One senator quoted McConnell that the tactic would be “mutually assured destruction”. The source said the Majority Leader is not sure of a majority to call only Trump’s preferred list — if Democrat votes are needed, then Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer would present his own list.

Schumer’s list could include White House senior officials who — under orders that have led to an obstruction of Congress charge against Trump — refused to testify to the House Intelligence Committee. Among them are Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney. and top White House aides, such as acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, to testify.

Sen. Pat Roberts explained, “I think [McConnell] has indicated that he would like to get this over with and get to quite a few other matters that we can get done.”

But Sen. David Perdue held out for Trump’s expanded trial, “He wants to have his opportunity, for the first time, to present his defense.”

Eric Ueland, the White House director of legislative affairs, said after a lunch with Republican lawmakers, “We need witnesses as part of our trial and a full defense of the president on the facts.”